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Ford's factory remote start has a feature called 'door open shut down' which has been discussed in several topics. Effective MY 2010, this feature cannot be disabled so you will not be able to remote start, unlock and open your door, insert your key, turn to the run position, and drive off. After remote starting, your engine will shut down as soon as you open the door (Or insert your key if you are already in the car).

There are several reports of dealer installed remote starts providing this functionality but the factory remote start can no longer have the door open shut down feature disabled.

Once the vehicle has been remotely started, the enhanced security feature will turn the vehicle engine off in the event of the vehicle doors being unlocked or opened.

Only vehicles with the combination of the MyKey or Intelligent Access (push-button start) feature with GFA Remote Start will have these enhanced security features designed to operate in this fashion.

Dealerships should not attempt any repairs to the MyKey or Remote Start systems if the customer is bringing in their vehicle for concerns relating to these enhanced security features.

SALES DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL

Review the new security features since they are different than prior models with remote start without the MyKey or Intelligent Access (push-button start) features.

Prepare to explain to customers these enhanced security features on vehicles being sold with remote start and the MyKey or Intelligent Access (push-button start) feature.

SERVICE DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL

Dealership service personnel should be familiar with these new security features since they are different than prior models with remote start without the MyKey or Intelligent Access (push-button start) features.

Dealership service personnel and specifically service advisors who may have customers return to the dealership for concerns about the remote start and MyKey or Intelligent Access (push-button start) functionality should be prepared to explain to the customer these enhanced security features.

Important: Dealership should not attempt any repairs relating to this functionality if vehicle is equipped and exhibits correct functionality as described in "Proper Operation".

WARRANTY COVERAGEIf a remote start repair is required but is not related to the enhanced security features described in "Proper Operation" then the claim MUST be submitted utilizing the special program code "ACC" for reimbursement.

It kinda says in the memo that the dealerships SHOULD NOT ATTEMPT repairs, not that the system will not accept any changes. Sounds like a liability thing to me...

Did you ask your dealer to disable it and they said GTFO?

I agree, it does sound like a liability issue...but I read it to mean 'don't try to repair because it's not broken, it's acting as designed'. I'm curious what vulnerability they discovered that has prompted this change. My dealer sales rep deferred to the memo and told me he wasn't going to reprogram it. That's why I have a call into the sales manager I worked with. When I speak to the sales manager, I intend to ask him how they would do it if I had bought a 2009 Flex with Remote Start off the lot. If it can still be done, I suspect he would rather reprogram than remove, credit, and replace.

Hmmmm, I wonder if you go to another dealer if they will perform the change. I would bet that the Remote start system probably hasn't changed in it's operation, just that Ford wants to protect themselves against any "issues" that pop up...

Though i wanted everything factory installed my flex 2010 Limited Eco-boost I was disappointed with the factory remote start being on a different key fob and only having 1000 ft range for $350. For that price I could have bought a 2500 ft 2-way fob remote start. Is there any way to get a factory key fob with the remote start built into it for this vechile?

Though i wanted everything factory installed my flex 2010 Limited Eco-boost I was disappointed with the factory remote start being on a different key fob and only having 1000 ft range for $350. For that price I could have bought a 2500 ft 2-way fob remote start. Is there any way to get a factory key fob with the remote start built into it for this vechile?

My dealer changed it for me and also changed the run time from ten minutes to fifteen minutes.

Well, I've apparently raised enough hell to get my dealer to disable the 'door open shut down feature'. However, the service manager wants my Flex for a full day so his electrical specialist can 'spend some quality time' finding the right procedure. Rather than derail my efforts to date, I agreed and told him I'd be back in contact when I could set aside a day.

My question is this...does anyone on this forum have access to ford service documentation and can point me to the right document/procedure/manual for disabling the shut down feature? I'm almost positive I can't do this on my own (Special equipment is apparently required) but I would at least like to be able to point the service tech to the right place so this (supposedly) 10 minute procedure doesn't end up costing me a day of waiting for the tech to locate the proper service procedure docs.

The dealer is NOT going to be able to get this information from the manufacturer of the remote start system. There are some dealers out there that have got the instructions from the manufacturer before Ford sent out the letter to them about not telling the dealers how to disable it.

With the MyKey the engine has to shut down then be restarted so the computer can tell if this is the full use key or limited function and speed key.

The dealer is NOT going to be able to get this information from the manufacturer of the remote start system. There are some dealers out there that have got the instructions from the manufacturer before Ford sent out the letter to them about not telling the dealers how to disable it.

With the MyKey the engine has to shut down then be restarted so the computer can tell if this is the full use key or limited function and speed key.

Good Luck.

MyKey is great for some so i understand but for those of us who dont want it or care about i think ford should let the dealers reprogram it. My dealer did it for me no problem. If its a liability thing then just have the owner sign a form that says you will wave the Mykey or whatever they want to say. My dealer redid mine no problem and set it to 15 min. took them 20min from when i got there to when i left.

The dealer I bought my 2010 from charged $495. for the Ford Bi-Directional remote start which I thought was too much but he wouldn't come down. I have MyKey and my car does not shut off when you open the door but I am having a problem with the alarm system built into the Flex. It is supposed to disarm if you use the key fob, door pad or a key but it does not always disarm when I use the key. Now I'm wondering if it has something to do with MyKey but I hesitate to disable MyKey in case it messes up the remote start.

After some careful internet searching, I found the procedure and have fixed my remote start. Thank you very much Ford, but it's MY FLEX now, not yours.

FYI, in addition to changing the run time from 10 to 15 minutes, you can also disable the horn honking (Great for those early morning starts) and switch from 1 long press to a double press to initiate the remote start.